How Fostering a Homeless Animal Saves Lives
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Fostering a homeless animal is one of the most important practices in the quest to save them from euthanasia or another horrible life. To begin, by removing an animal from the shelter/animal control facility, frees a space for another animal to be rescued. So, two lives are saved because of fostering.
Becoming a foster family allows you to focus on the specific needs of each animal. You can cater your training, interactions, and time on the individual needs of your foster animal. Much of the training is basic things such as potty training, crate training, and basic commands.
For a pregnant animal, a foster home will provide a quiet, nurturing environment to give birth to their babies. A dog with separation anxiety can begin the training process to learn to become more comfortable alone in the house. When an animal has spent too much of their lives in a shelter environment, they can become depressed or socially inept. A home can make a huge improvement in their mental health. Many animals have led terrible lives and need to learn to trust humans again. Elderly or terminal animals benefit from the foster home providing nurturing during their last days. This cannot happen in a shelter.
Without foster homes, many rescues are not able to save needy animals. Most groups do not have a facility and so all the animals are placed in foster homes. This is the predicament that Alaska Animal Advocates is currently experiencing. So, please find it in your hearts to foster for us. We provide all the necessary supplies – leashes, collars, bedding, crates, food and treats. Any medical needs are also taken care of. Fostering a homeless animal might just save your life as well.
Angie Lewis
Alaska Animal Advocates.
